Meet the Team
Dr. LaShawn Proctor — Founder & Executive Director
Dr. LaShawn Proctor is an educational leader, nonprofit founder, and visionary committed to transforming the academic, social, and emotional trajectories of young people across Pinellas County. With more than a decade of experience in school leadership and a steadfast dedication to equity, she has established a reputation for uplifting scholars, empowering families, and building systems that lead to measurable, lasting success.
She is the Founder and CEO of Elevating Queens & Kings, a 501(c)(3) organization designed to empower youth through academic support, mentoring, leadership development, athletics, and wellness enrichment. Under her guidance, EQK has expanded its impact through targeted tutoring, entrepreneurship and leadership programs, mental-wellness initiatives, and community partnerships that bridge gaps and open doors for scholars in grades 3–12. Her vision centers on nurturing confidence, purpose, and resilience in every young person served.
Her journey—from overcoming personal challenges to becoming a trusted voice in education and the community—fuels her passion for uplifting young people. She is driven by a deep belief that every scholar deserves the chance to rise, dream big, and step boldly into their future with confidence. Through authentic relationships, dedicated leadership, and transformative initiatives, she continues to create spaces where families feel supported, young leaders are nurtured, and the community grows stronger together.
Above all, Dr. Proctor remains guided by purpose: to empower, unify, and re-energize young people so they can become who they were created to be.
Darielle Singleton- Executive Director of Operations
Darielle Singleton is the Executive Director of Operations for Elevating Kings and Queens bringing over ten years of experience in education, youth development, and mental-health advocacy. A dedicated leader with a heart for service, Darielle has built her career around empowering young people; especially those facing challenges at home, in school, or within their communities.
Darielle’s professional journey began in the classroom, where she taught and supported students across multiple grade levels. Her passion for understanding children beyond academics led her into school counseling, where she has worked extensively with students navigating emotional, social, and behavioral barriers. As a school counselor and graduate-level clinical mental health counseling intern, she has developed a special commitment to promoting mental-health awareness and ensuring children have safe, supportive spaces to grow.
Throughout her career, Darielle has witnessed firsthand how mental health impacts a child’s confidence, decision-making, and long-term success. This insight drives her mission to advocate for the youth. Her work is grounded in compassion, cultural awareness, and a belief that every child deserves the chance to thrive.
Aidan Odowd
Treasurer/Financial Literacy Program Manager
Lakeba Wallace
Secretary/Leadership Support
Nakkia Sly
Graduation Success Coordinator
Vanquesha Flounory
Social Media Manager
Warren Flounory
Athletics and Training Director
Beth Teller- Program Operations Coordinator
Beth Teller is an educator and program leader with extensive experience in youth development, social-emotional learning, and community programming. She currently serves as the K–5 Leadership Teacher, Before & After-Care Director, and Camp Coordinator at her charter school, where she oversees student enrichment, staff support, and family engagement initiatives. Beth is deeply committed to building positive relationships and creating opportunities that help students grow as leaders. Beth proudly brings her expertise to Elevating Kings & Queens, contributing to its mission of empowering youth and strengthening communities. Through her work on the board, she helps design and support programs that uplift children, celebrate diversity, and connect families through meaningful experiences.
Kanesha Howard- College & Career Readiness Coordinator
Kanesha Howard serves as a College and Career Readiness Coordinator, bringing more than 26 years of experience in child care, education, and youth development. With a Bachelor’s degree in Educational Studies and Community Leadership, she is committed to empowering students and families as they explore post-secondary opportunities and make confident, informed decisions about their futures.
Kanesha's work is rooted in her lifelong passion for serving her community. Throughout her career, she has taken on supervisory and leadership roles that reflect her dedication to lifting up young people and creating opportunities for growth. She is devoted to helping students recognize their strengths, develop meaningful character traits, and pursue pathways that align with their potential and purpose.
Known for her approachable and encouraging presence, Kanesha strives to ensure that every student feels supported, seen, and equipped for success—both in school and in life.
Erika Williams- Community Outreach Coordinator
Erika Williams is a devoted wife, proud mother, professional loctician, and family & committed to uplifting others through style, support, and service. As a youth influencer, she blends her love for natural hair with her dedication to strengthening family and community connections, inspiring confidence and unity wherever she serves.
Tiffany Garvey- Academic Support Specialist
Tiffany Garvey is an accomplished literacy coach, educator, and instructional leader dedicated to strengthening early literacy outcomes across Pinellas County Schools. With over 11 years of experience in teaching, coaching, curriculum design, and professional development, she specializes in helping educators deepen their understanding of the science of reading, small group instruction, data driven planning, and high quality early learning practices.
In her current role, Tiffany serves as a key contributor to the Pinellas Early Learning Initiative, an innovative partnership with the Pinellas Education Foundation and the University of Florida’s Lastinger Center. Through this work, she supports project management, collaborates with district leaders and grant partners, and provides targeted coaching cycles that enhance instructional consistency and classroom practice. Tiffany regularly models effective reading strategies, facilitates professional learning, and guides teachers in planning lessons, analyzing assessments, and implementing research based instruction with fidelity.
Her background as a Pre K through second grade teacher and her earlier leadership as an Early Learning Director give her a comprehensive understanding of child development, school improvement systems, and the operational needs of instructional programs. She has successfully developed curriculum, conducted performance gap analyses, led staff training, and created engaging learning environments that support both student growth and teacher development.
Tiffany holds a Bachelor of Science in Educational Studies from St. Petersburg College and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Saint Leo University. She is a certified educator and certified literacy coach with strong technical proficiency in instructional tools and platforms.
Recognized for her intentionality, optimism, and transparent communication, Tiffany is deeply committed to equity, continuous improvement, and ensuring that every scholar receives high quality, individualized instruction. She is a collaborative partner, strategic thinker, and passionate advocate for building strong early literacy foundations that set scholars up for long term success.
Tori Gomillion- Media and Outreach Coordinator
Tori Gomillion is an accomplished Marketing and Outreach Manager and the visionary owner of Bloom & Waistbeads Beauty Haven. Known for her strategic leadership, creativity, and ability to build strong community connections, Tori excels in developing effective outreach initiatives, strengthening brand visibility, and driving consistent engagement.
With years of expertise in communication, customer experience, and brand development, she bridges the gap between meaningful storytelling and results-driven marketing. As a business owner, she brings passion and purpose to her work, cultivating a welcoming space for wellness, empowerment, and beauty. Tori is committed to elevating her community, nurturing authentic relationships, and creating experiences that leave a lasting impact.
Program Mentors & Coaches
Our mentors include certified teachers, youth development professionals, college students, and trained community leaders who care deeply about youth empowerment.
Community Partners
We proudly partner with schools, local organizations, and families who share our belief in raising strong Kings and Queens.